Purpose This paper addresses significant geographical and phase-based gaps in adaptive reuse models for industrial heritage, which faces challenges such as pollution and structural decay. It proposes a novel conceptual model integrating environmental remediation and structural capacity into a four-phase process for sustainable urban revitalization. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 106 peer-reviewed articles (2010–2024) was conducted using the PRISMA approach. Literature was analyzed across adaptive reuse phases to identify trends, gaps and best practices. Findings Analysis reveals a 78% geographical bias toward Europe, North America and East Asia, and a research imbalance with 48% of studies on preparation and only 12% on implementation. Contamination management constitutes 30–40% of remediation costs, and structural complexity requires advanced engineering in 60% of retrofits. These insights inform the proposed four-phase, 11-sub-phase model. Research limitations/implications Reliance on English-language sources and inherent geographical bias limit generalizability, suggesting future empirical testing in diverse contexts such as the Global South. Practical implications The model provides actionable guidance for architects, planners and policymakers to prioritize remediation and structural assessment, fostering economic benefits such as property value increases and aligning with sustainability goals. Originality/value This research develops a dedicated adaptive reuse process model for industrial heritage, extending existing frameworks by integrating industry-specific environmental and structural criteria as core components to bridge theoretical and practical gaps.

Purpose The operation and maintenance (O&M) management of the vast existing building stock is chronically hindered by the lack of centralized and accessible information about its assets. With this in mind, this article proposes a robust and replicable protocol to solve this problem. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts the design science research approach, whose artifact is a five-phase methodological protocol, grounded in a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol's feasibility is demonstrated through an ongoing pilot application at the University of Brasília. Findings It is argued that the application of this protocol creates the descriptive digital twin, the foundational information layer for future applications of operational digital twins, IoT and artificial intelligence. The protocol directly addresses the critical challenges of interoperability and data fragmentation. Originality/value The originality lies in the formalization of a systematic and validated workflow that bridges the gap between the capture of physical reality and the creation of a semantically rich asset inventory for O&M.

Purpose This paper provides an alternative approach to ISO 9869-1 (ISO, 2014), measuring U values of buildings, which is time-consuming and costly. Heat3D is a novel application, using thermal imaging to calculate U values. Here, we explain the early stages of the development of the method. Design/methodology/approach The performance of Heat3D was compared against ISO 9869-1 metrics under controlled conditions to minimise data “noise” from external factors. Findings The results showed that the application can accurately measure the instantaneous heat flux through a building element, with over 90% of the 200+ Heat3D survey measurements matching that of a calibrated heat flux plate to within their combined uncertainty. Practical implications Development of a rapid heat flux measurement technique, such as Heat3D, would have benefits such as quantitatively assessing new build or retrofit build quality, sizing heating systems and provide data for updated EPC, which is a forthcoming policy change. Originality/value There is an emerging literature on quantitative infrared; however, we take a novel approach in using controlled conditions and a highly characterised building to assess the method.

Purpose Sustainability is a critical consideration in the construction industry, but its implementation faces numerous hurdles. This research paper explores the challenges associated with implementing sustainability practices in rural community buildings in the context of Ghana. It aims to identify and understand the obstacles that hinder the integration of sustainable practices and enrich the knowledge base in sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review was conducted to identify the challenges of integrating sustainability concepts and practices in rural community buildings. The study employs a quantitative approach with a sample size of 63 construction professionals in Ghana. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests to assess the significance of challenges. Findings The findings indicate specific challenges construction professionals face in integrating sustainability concepts in rural community buildings. Twenty-one challenges were considered significant by professionals, including limited technology access, inadequate stakeholder collaboration, low community interest, innovation deficiencies, data acquisition complexities, high initial capital requirements and limited availability of sustainable materials. Practical implications This research has both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretical implications stress the importance of considering the social aspects of sustainable development and stakeholder collaboration in the construction industry. Practical implications provide insights for practitioners and policymakers to address these challenges and promote sustainable development in rural communities. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of challenges related to sustainability in rural community buildings, emphasising the importance of holistic approaches and stakeholder involvement. The research adds original insights to the existing knowledge in sustainable development.

Purpose The process of retrofitting presents occupational health and safety (OHS) challenges, including the possibility of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, occupational diseases and injuries, exposure to toxic materials and unintentional falls. This has resulted in significant resentment against the retrofit trade. This study aims to clarify the health and safety concerns of occupants in existing South African buildings during the process of retrofitting for energy efficiency. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative research approach to gather information on how service providers comprehend health and safety concerns during implementation of building energy retrofit projects in existing buildings in South Africa. Findings The findings from the study identified several OHS concerns associated with building energy retrofit projects. These include the presence and potential disturbance of asbestos-containing materials or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during lighting replacement, the trapping of moisture behind spray foam insulation, mould intrusion during system or component replacement, improperly vented combustion gases and occupant exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2). Furthermore, the study clarified viable methods for mitigating these issues, which have significant implications for the effective implementation of building energy retrofit projects in existing buildings. Originality/value The analysis reveals that every operation involved in a building energy retrofit project entails potential OHS implications. Understanding these risks enables stakeholders to develop standardized and optimized approaches for implementing building energy retrofit projects without compromising occupant safety.

Purpose This research examines how managerial decisions and structural characteristics impact the severity of defects in multi-purpose-built student housing (MBSH) in Ghana. It also evaluates the financial implications these defects have on institutional maintenance budgets and the extent of budget overruns. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a quantitative approach, data were gathered through inspections and a structured survey of 271 MBSH facilities spread across five tertiary institutions. Multiple regression models were employed to examine the relationships between defect severity, physical attributes of the buildings and financial metrics including annual maintenance budgets and overrun ratios. Findings Defect severity was significantly influenced by several factors: building age, environmental exposure, construction quality, frequency of maintenance and structural alterations. Severe defects were closely tied to higher maintenance expenditures and frequent budget overruns. Conversely, buildings that received routine maintenance and were constructed with better standards showed fewer defects and lower financial burdens. Interestingly, material type and building height showed minimal predictive value in this analysis. Practical implications The outcomes underline the importance of enforcing construction quality, carrying out regular inspections and discouraging unauthorized modifications. For universities and policymakers, prioritizing preventive maintenance could significantly reduce long-term costs and enhance infrastructure sustainability. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the discourse on African student housing by linking defect severity to budget planning. It introduces the budget overrun ratio as a practical tool for long-term cost forecasting in MBSH management.

Purpose Dampness and mould affect both the structural integrity and the occupants in buildings. Repair and remediation costs can be quite substantial. This calls for studies aimed at addressing techniques that can eliminate this menace. This study aims to critically explore the literature to identify common diagnosis, prevention and treatment techniques for dampness and mould conditions in buildings. The objectives also include identifying mitigation strategies. Design/methodology/approach Systematic review methodology using the PRISMA protocol was employed to examine the literature on dampness diagnosis, treatment and mitigation in buildings. Keyword searches were conducted in the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. A selection of publications was identified and refined based on the relevance of their titles, abstracts and keywords. A total of 36 publications were identified and examined on the subject. Findings The review indicated that managing moisture in buildings required comprehensive competence in diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management strategies. Strategies/techniques such as peripheral drainage, reducing the absorbent section, installing a physical and chemical barrier and ventilating wall bases are prevalent. Designers must ensure adequate detailing, system design and material selection to avert water entry or condensation that leads to mould proliferation. Originality/value This study provides evidence-based, actionable recommendations for architects, engineers and homeowners by synthesizing validated techniques and strategies for diagnosing, preventing and addressing dampness and mould in buildings. This will enhance decision-making and improve indoor air quality.

Purpose This work presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign with 240 concrete specimens, with and without pozzolan additive, to assess the effects of internal expansion reactions on the strength and deformation properties of structural concrete due to alkali-silica reactions. Design/methodology/approach The samples were submerged in a 1 N NaOH solution for 242 days at a constant temperature of 60°C, after being exposed for 30 days to a 1 N NaOH solution at 80°C. The concrete mixtures incorporated two types of cement: PC-V (additive-free) and PC-IV (with a higher concentration of pozzolanic additives). The only source of reactivity in the aggregates used comes from the coarse aggregate, which is highly reactive microcrystalline and macrogranular quartz. The design compressive characteristic strength of the concrete was set at 35 MPa. Findings The results obtained show that the internal expansion reactions had different impacts on the mechanical properties of the concrete, with the modulus of elasticity being the most influenced and the least sensitive to the type of cement used. PC-IV and PC-V samples exhibited a drop of 36% and 38% in the respective modulus of elasticity. For compressive strength, PC-IV samples had a greater loss in compressive strength value than those made with cement without addition, −6.8% and −18.6%, respectively. Originality/value This is one of the first studies with such an extensive experimental campaign to analyze the effect of internal expansion reactions on the mechanical properties of concrete with and without pozzolan, and thus fill an existing gap in the literature.

Purpose Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into property valuation significantly integrates technological innovation into property decision-making. However, this practice remains limited, particularly in emerging markets. This study examines the awareness and integration of AI in property valuation, factors influencing AI integration into property valuation, and the roles of professional bodies and property firms in integrating AI into property valuation. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews with registered property valuers in the Lagos property market. A total of 15 identified participants were selected based on their active involvement in the local property market and knowledge of AI applications in property valuation, and 11 were scheduled for interviews based on consent and availability. The qualitative data from the interviews were manually transcribed and analysed thematically. Findings The results showed that the awareness and adoption of AI in property valuation practice are at a low ebb. In addition, the findings suggest a higher level of integration among younger property valuers, who seem more inclined towards the adoption of AI than the older property valuers. The results show that AI adoption in property valuation enhances efficiency, accuracy, and transparency by leveraging data-driven insights and minimises human error. However, challenges such as ethical concerns, high costs, unreliable data in emerging markets and risks of reduced human oversight were noted as drawbacks. The results also highlight the role of professional bodies in addressing these barriers through clear regulations, targeted training and collaborative oversight. These are critical towards ensuring a balance between the ethical use of AI and human expertise in the property sector. Practical implications The study recommends that professional regulatory bodies and stakeholders develop frameworks to facilitate AI integration, including training programs and partnerships with technology providers. Originality/value This research contributes to the underexplored literature on AI adoption in emerging real estate markets, with a specific focus on Lagos, a rapidly urbanising market with nascent proptech ecosystems.

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the success of adaptive reuse projects for Iran's industrial heritage (Shiraz and Yazd textile factories) in aligning with global sustainability standards. Using a mixed-method approach, it employs the “Action Network Connectivity Table-Graph” model to quantitatively assess compliance with 13 international criteria (e.g. integrity, value, economy). Results show Shiraz scored 75.33% (moderate success) and Yazd 82.34% (high success), highlighting “value” as the most influential category. The research identifies gaps in addressing “tradition” and “identity” and proposes a framework to prioritize actions, ensuring future projects balance heritage preservation with sustainable urban development through adherence to international charters like the Burra and Nizhny Tagil Charters. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative content analysis of 16 ICOMOS documents to derive 13 evaluation categories (e.g. integrity, value) with quantitative weighting of their connectivity networks. The “Action Network Connectivity Table-Graph” model quantifies interactions between categories, assigning weighted coefficients. Case studies (Shiraz and Yazd textile factories) are evaluated by mapping adaptive reuse actions to these categories, comparing practical vs. theoretical actions. Success rates are calculated using weighted scores, assessing alignment with global standards (e.g. Burra Charter). Quantitative metrics (e.g. 75.33 and 82.34% success scores) highlight compliance gaps and prioritize categories like “value” for future projects. Findings The adaptive reuse of Shiraz and Yazd textile factories achieved success scores of 75.33% (moderate) and 82.34% (high), respectively. The “value” category (39-unit connectivity) was pivotal, driving project alignment with global standards. However, “tradition” (13-unit) and “identity” scored poorly, indicating gaps. Community engagement and collective memories enhanced social vitality, while economic revitalization was achieved through functional updates. The quantitative model confirmed adherence to charters like Burra and Nizhny Tagil, with Yazd excelling in minimal intervention and authenticity. Results underscore prioritizing “value”-centric strategies and reallocating resources to underperforming categories, offering a replicable framework for balancing heritage preservation, sustainability, and urban regeneration in future projects. Originality/value This research introduces an innovative quantitative framework (Action Network Connectivity model) to assess adaptive reuse projects, bridging a gap in translating qualitative international charters into measurable metrics. It uniquely applies global standards to Iran's industrial heritage, offering a replicable model for balancing preservation and sustainability. The study reveals the critical role of “value” (39-unit connectivity) as a core driver and exposes underprioritized categories like “tradition” and “identity.” Its actionable insights empower practitioners to align projects with sustainability goals while advancing methodological rigor in heritage conservation through data-driven decision-making, enhancing cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes in urban regeneration.